‘To use your memory and duly relate to me anything that your visitors may say loud enough for your ears to catch. If it be anything about the weather, or matters of equal importance, you need not trouble to store it up; but if there may be a chance remark or inquiry concerning any person or persons of any note in the island, you must truly bring the same to me, as I should like to hear it. You must, likewise, take notice of their movements, and everything which may be likely to throw a light upon the reason of their presence here. You see, therefore, Tucca, that your task is of the easiest and lightest, and beyond suspicion—merely to keep your eyes and ears open.’ ‘And will you be at hand, or must I go to seek you at the palaces?’ ‘Inquire for Alexander at the little tavern of the Widow Paula, and you will be told where to find me—you will remember to inquire for Alexander, old man?’ ‘For Alexander, noble Zeno.’ ‘Good; it is important. Now, by way of commencement, tell me the names of these women.’ ‘I swear by all the gods in heaven, Zeno, I do not know. They came and ate a slight supper, such as we were able to put before them,—for we knew no more than the dead that we were to have any visitors,—and then they retired, and we have not seen them since. It is the truth, as I stand here!’ ‘Well, and what of their appearance? are they young?’ ‘Young, Zeno, and the mistress as beautiful as the sun.’ ‘Ah!’ said Zeno, nodding, whilst a smile spread over his handsome face; ‘I think there will nothing very serious spring out of this matter, although a ten years’ war did once arise on account of a woman. But, nevertheless, be vigilant.’ ‘I will be all ears and eyes.’ ‘And secret—do not ask impertinent questions, or you will spoil all.’ ‘Not one, noble Zeno.’ ‘Consider your next amphorae of wine as sold and delivered, at a point above the best price in Capreae.’ ‘Generous Zeno!’ said Tucca, bending low. ‘And for this,’ rejoined the steward, artfully chinking the coins beneath his cloak, ‘we will settle when this business is over.’ ‘May it be soon; why they should pitch upon my house, and mix a harmless man up with their women and their works, I know not—but I would they were away.’ ‘And so do I, Tucca, for this early morning watch does not agree with your humble servant.’ ‘But what safeguard can you offer me if he, for whom these people are in charge, should know that I play the spy on them?’ ‘He cannot know if you do only as I tell you; and if he does, leave the rest to me.’ ‘Hermes guard me—I should be but the earthen pipkin between two brazen pots.’ The steward was looking cautiously through the leafy screen of the doorway towards the house. He started and said, ‘Hasten, Tucca, look upon your housetop! There are these same mysterious beings gazing therefrom upon the landmarks of the island and tasting the morning air—hasten to the house—they may want thee to ask thee this or that, it may be—there is a chance—so go!’ ‘I will.’